stadíon

A stadión, commonly referred to in English as a stadium, is a large venue designed for hosting competitive sports events and other large-scale gatherings. The name derives from the Greek stadion, a unit used in ancient athletic contests, and the modern stadium has evolved into a structure that accommodates spectators around a central playing area. Stadiums can be open-air or roofed and may be built for a single sport or as multi-purpose venues for football, athletics, concerts, and other events.

A stadium typically consists of a central field or court surrounded by tiered seating that forms a bowl or horseshoe shape. Additional elements include concourses, multiple entrances and exits, restrooms, concession areas, and facilities for players, officials, media, and security. Modern designs emphasize sightlines, acoustics, safety, and accessibility. Playing surfaces are commonly natural grass or artificial turf, and many stadiums feature lighting systems, video displays, and sometimes retractable roofs or movable seating to adapt to different events.

Historically, stadiums have evolved from ancient venues used for track and field to contemporary facilities engineered for large crowds and diverse programming. The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw developments in crowd management, sustainability, and multimedia capabilities, with stadiums serving as hubs for sports, music, and entertainment.

Usage and management focus on hosting national leagues, international tournaments, and public events. Revenue streams include ticket sales, sponsorships, naming rights, concessions, and broadcasting. Safety, crowd control, accessibility for disabled spectators, and emergency planning are integral considerations in design and operation. Notable examples include Wembley Stadium in the United Kingdom, Camp Nou in Spain, and the Maracanã in Brazil.